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Saints' Ben Watson: Not suiting up Sunday

by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire

Watson (illness) is listed as inactive Sunday against the Rams, Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate reports.

Watson's availability for the NFC Championship Game was clouded when appendicitis was revealed as the reason for his absence from practice Wednesday and Thursday. Despite the diagnosis, he so far has avoided surgery and even was a limited participant at Friday's session, leading to a questionable designation. However, his condition hasn't improved enough to reintroduce him to the rigors of tight end. In Watson's stead, Josh Hill, Garrett Griffin and Dan Arnold will hold down the position in the Saints offense.

Watson is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's NFC Championship Game versus the Rams. However, he isn't expected to play due to appendicitis, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

The Saints merely termed Watson's condition an illness all week, but despite the diagnosis, he followed up back-to-back absences with a limited showing at Friday's session. Considering his listing of "questionable," he appears to have a shot to suit up this weekend, however dire his health may seem. Unless his condition worsens, expect Watson's status to remain in limbo until the Saints release their inactive list 90 minutes before Sunday's 3:05 PM ET kickoff. No matter if Watson is available, Josh Hill, Garrett Griffin and Dan Arnold are on hand to ensure tight end is covered.

Watson will be held out of Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Rams due to appendicitis, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Watson kicked off the week with back-to-back absences as a result of an illness, which now has been clarified. So far, he's sidestepped surgery, but the situation is severe enough for the veteran to be ruled out well in advance of Sunday's contest. Watson has declared his intention to retire after this season, so a Saints loss Sunday would put an end to a 15-year career. Expect Josh Hill, Garrett Griffin and Dan Arnold to hold down the fort at tight end this weekend.

Watson has played second fiddle to fellow tight end Josh Hill in terms of offensive snap count for most of the campaign. That said, Watson is the superior receiving option, especially in the red zone, so his status will be one to monitor in advance of Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Rams. Friday's injury report will provide the final word on his potential to suit up.

Watson was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's injury report due to an illness, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

Since his intention to retire after this season came to light in late December, Watson likely will take every measure to play during the Saints' postseason run. As a result, an appearance at practice Thursday or Friday may not be mandatory for the veteran tight end to take the field for Sunday's NFC Championship Game versus the Rams.